Article: The rise and rise of meetup events on TutsPlus

September 14th, 2013

I’m really flattered to have been asked to write for Tutsplus, with some luck it’ll be the first of many. Below an abstract, but you can read the full article here.

“Smaller meetups are filling the gaps in between conferences, turning the spotlight on local talent and creating a positive eco-system for creativity in your area. Let’s examine why this is and how you can get involved with meetups in your area. As an organiser of a monthly meet-up, I have seen first-hand the value and importance that such an event can have on a local community and the wider industry.

Over the past few years, we’ve born witness to some of the larger national conferences closing their doors, but in their place, there has been an influx of small and medium events – this is no surprise. We’ve seen, with such intimate conferences as New Adventures in Web Design, Build Conference or anyeventput on by ClearLeft, the level of community that seemingly comes as hand in hand. Ask anyone who’s attended one and they will tell you that it feels like a bunch of old friends getting together to be inspired, share and gain knowledge and to feel integrally connected to the industry as a whole.

While smaller events can’t always attract the better-known and established speakers, what they can do is bring together what can often feel like a physically disconnected community, showcase local talent and help to raise the collective standard of students and practitioners alike.

There’s something quite special about looking across a room and seeing several agencies from the same city sharing a beer and a chat – whatever rivalries they may harbour being left at the door.

I think that events such as conferences and meetups are important to anybody in industry for all manner of reasons. For me as a student, I could make contacts, learn and, more importantly, be inspired. For freelancers, they are a great place to get out and meet others in an often solitary workspace. On top of this, it’s also a great chance for practitioners to share their problems, seek advice and generally vent shared frustrations.”

I’d love it if you can read the full article on tuts+, and why not leave a comment while you’re there!